Strawberry Heaven Recipe
If you’re ready to experience dessert nirvana, look no further than Strawberry Heaven. Imagine layers of fluffy angel food cake, a cloud of creamy goodness, and a glossy, ruby-red crown of fresh strawberries — all coming together in a single dreamy bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, celebrating spring, or simply craving something sweet and indulgent, this treat is sure to transport you straight to Strawberry Heaven with every blissful forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Strawberry Heaven is there for a reason, contributing its own magic to make this dish unforgettable. You’ll find that nothing is complicated here, yet every component plays a vital role in the flavor, color, and luscious texture — so don’t skip a thing!
- Angel food cake: Fluffy and airy, this cake forms the perfect, light foundation and soaks up all the sweet layers above.
- Cool Whip: The ultimate shortcut for a smooth, whipped topping that adds sweetness and a silky finish — don’t worry, you’ll use it in two different layers!
- Cream cheese, softened: Brings major creaminess and a slight tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Sugar, divided: Used in both the glaze and cream layers for just the right level of sweetness all the way through.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the richness of the cream layer with cozy, fragrant notes.
- Fresh strawberries, sliced: The true stars of Strawberry Heaven! Their juicy burst and pop of color are everything.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the glaze to a picture-perfect sheen that clings to every berry.
- Strawberry Jell-O: The secret behind that dazzling red glaze — it intensifies the strawberry flavor and gives the topping its signature look.
- Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and keeps the glaze from tasting flat or too sweet.
- Water: Helps dissolve all the glaze ingredients and binds everything together for perfect consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Heaven
Step 1: Cook the Strawberry Glaze
Start with a small saucepan and combine 1/2 cup sugar, the cornstarch, Jell-O powder, lemon juice, and water. Stir well and let it cook over medium heat, whisking regularly. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll see the mixture turn from cloudy to clear and thick — that’s your gorgeous glaze in the making. Set it aside to cool for a bit before moving on to the next step; you don’t want it piping hot when it meets your strawberries.
Step 2: Fold in the Strawberries
When your glaze is just slightly warm (not hot!), gently add in the sliced strawberries. Carefully fold them in to coat each piece — this keeps the fruit looking glossy and fresh. The strawberries don’t lose their bite, and every piece gets locked into that sweet, fragrant sauce that gives Strawberry Heaven its signature shine.
Step 3: Build the Cake Base
Now for the cloud layer: tear the angel food cake into bite-sized, one-inch chunks. Toss them with 2 cups of Cool Whip until each piece is lightly coated and fluffy. Press this dreamy mixture into the bottom of your serving dish, forming an even layer that’s ready to catch all the goodness you’re about to load on top.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. When it’s smooth and luscious, gently fold in the rest of your Cool Whip. Spread this decadent mixture over the cake base, swooping right up to the edges so every bite is creamy.
Step 5: Top with Strawberry Glory
Carefully spoon the strawberry-glaze mixture right over the cream cheese layer, letting the berries and sweet sauce ripple and flow. You want an even, generous blanket of juicy strawberries — the true crowning glory of Strawberry Heaven! Let your handiwork chill for 2–3 hours to set so that slicing is a breeze and all the flavors fully meld.
How to Serve Strawberry Heaven

Garnishes
When you bring Strawberry Heaven to the table, a few thoughtful garnishes can take things from delicious to absolutely dazzling. Try a sprinkle of extra sliced fresh strawberries, a swirl of whipped cream, or even a few mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing scent. If you want a bit of crunch, a scatter of toasted almonds on top adds a surprising twist that’s both pretty and tasty.
Side Dishes
Since Strawberry Heaven is all about lightness, pair it with equally airy sides. A simple fruit salad, crisp sparkling lemonade, or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream round out your dessert spread without overpowering the main attraction. For brunch gatherings, a platter of tea sandwiches or scones works beautifully beside your show-stopping sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
You can make Strawberry Heaven the star of any occasion by changing up your presentation. Serve in individual mason jars or parfait glasses for picnics, dress it up in a trifle bowl for extra drama, or layer it in a rectangular dish for easy slicing at potlucks. No matter how you serve it, those gorgeous layers and glistening strawberries are guaranteed to turn heads!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Strawberry Heaven keeps beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. The layers may meld a bit, but the flavors stay incredible — and sometimes it’s even better on day two!
Freezing
While Strawberry Heaven is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions if needed. Wrap each serving well and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge; just note that the texture of the whipped topping and strawberries will be somewhat softer, but still delicious.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this dessert — in fact, it’s best served cold right from the fridge, which makes Strawberry Heaven a stress-free choice for parties and potlucks. If it’s been chilled a long time, let it sit on the counter for about 10 minutes before serving, so the layers soften gently and those flavors come alive.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream adds a lovely, rich flavor to Strawberry Heaven. Just be sure to whip it to medium-stiff peaks so it holds up in the layers, and consider adding a bit of stabilizer if you need it to last more than a day or two.
What’s the best way to keep the strawberries from getting soggy?
The cornstarch and Jell-O in the glaze act as natural thickeners, helping the strawberries stay firm and glossy. Be sure the glaze is fully cooled before adding your berries, and don’t skip the chilling step — it keeps everything set and luscious.
Can I make Strawberry Heaven a day ahead?
Yes, making Strawberry Heaven a day ahead is actually a great idea! The flavors have extra time to mingle, and the dessert slices easily. Just store it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap out the angel food cake for a gluten-free variety (many bakeries and grocery stores carry them now). The rest of the components are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a slice of Strawberry Heaven.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
It’s best to stick with fresh strawberries here for that perfect juicy flavor and beautiful look. Frozen berries tend to release too much liquid once thawed, which could water down the glaze and make the dessert runny.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Heaven honestly lives up to its name, delivering a little taste of bliss in every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe — it’s one of those desserts people will ask for again and again. Make it once, and you’ll want to float right back to Strawberry Heaven all season long!
PrintStrawberry Heaven Recipe
Indulge in a heavenly dessert with this Strawberry Heaven recipe. Layers of angel food cake, creamy filling, and fresh strawberry glaze create a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Angel Food Cake:
- 1 angel food cake
Cream Filling:
- 1 (16 ounce) container Cool Whip
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry Jell-O
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, mix 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, Jell-O, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until it boils and thickens. Let it cool a bit.
- Prepare the Berries: Gently fold sliced strawberries into the cooled glaze.
- Create the Base: Tear the angel food cake into 1-inch pieces. Mix with 2 cups Cool Whip and press into your baking dish.
- Whip Up the Cream: Beat cream cheese with remaining sugar and vanilla. Fold in leftover Cool Whip and spread over the cake layer.
- Add the Topping: Pour the strawberry mixture evenly over the cream layer.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Strawberry Heaven, Strawberry Dessert, Angel Food Cake, Cool Whip, Strawberry Glaze